Outbound 44/46 Information, Review, Specs

The Outbound 44/46 lineage began its production in 2001, building upon the original Outbound 44 which was introduced to the cruising market around 1999. The "44/46" designation reflects a key evolution: the Outbound 46 is essentially the same boat as the 44, but with a two-foot extension to its stern. Carl Schumacher's design philosophy for this model was rooted in creating an "uncompromising deep-water cruiser" that could "sail fast, handle adverse conditions, and provide a comfortable ride while at sea". His approach focused on achieving high performance through a sophisticated hull shape, a powerful rig, and by strategically distributing weight away from the ends of the vessel.

Outbound Yachts maintains a consistent manufacturing partnership with Hansheng Yacht Building Company in Xiamen, China. The builder distinguishes itself from mass-produced vessels by utilizing 100% hand-laid solid fiberglass for its hulls, a method prized for its strength and durability in offshore conditions. Beyond the primary 44 and 46 versions, a shoal draft option with a minimum draft of 5.5 feet was also offered, alongside the standard 6.5-foot fin keel.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Outbound 44/46 exhibits a sailing profile optimized for comfortable and capable offshore voyaging. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 18.7, she is well-equipped to perform admirably in lighter winds, efficiently translating sail power into forward motion. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio, around 0.357 (35.7%), suggests good stability, providing a solid and dependable motion even when encountering challenging sea states. While not as high as some dedicated racing yachts, this ratio indicates a boat designed to stand up to a significant amount of wind without excessive heeling.

Further underscoring her performance-oriented nature for a cruising boat, the Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio sits at approximately 191.7. This places her on the lighter side for a vessel of her size, contributing to her reputation for speed and efficiency over long distances. Owners and reviewers consistently describe the Outbound 44/46 as a fast and easy-to-handle cruising yacht, capable of crossing oceans with comfort and speed. Her design allows her to sail well and handle heavy weather with a "rock solid" feel, making her a preferred choice for serious sailors aiming for ocean crossings and extensive cruising. The yacht's high righting moment further contributes to her stability and safety offshore.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Outbound 44/46 is characterized by an elegant design featuring "fine woodwork" and "large windows" that contribute to a well-lit and comfortable living space. While specific interior headroom details are not provided in the specifications, the design emphasizes liveaboard comfort. The typical layout incorporates an aft cockpit design with two cabins, making it an ideal cruising boat for couples intent on offshore voyages.

The standard accommodation plan revolves around a spacious main cabin, providing ample room for relaxation and socializing. The interior arrangement has seen some evolution, with later adjustments, such as those made around 2012, designed to provide more space for electronics. The focus remains on creating a refined and functional interior, suitable for extended periods at sea, with consideration given to isolating noise and dirt from the main cabin.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Outbound 44/46 frequently laud the vessel's robust construction and its comfortable motion in a seaway, often describing her as "rock solid" and well-equipped for demanding offshore conditions. There is an active and engaged owner community that regularly shares accounts of extensive cruising journeys and circumnavigations, highlighting the global capabilities of these yachts. Owners appreciate the deep and secure cockpit, along with numerous features and redundancies specifically geared for offshore sailing. The Outbound 46, in particular, has earned a "well-deserved reputation as the gold standard" in blue water cruising, 21]. While some owners have noted minor "break-in problems" typically associated with new vessels, the overall sentiment regarding the Outbound 44/46 consistently points to a dependable, high-quality, and highly capable cruising platform.